“The culture in my classroom is built on respect, responsibility, and relevance. We model our space after a real work environment… I set high expectations and support students in building both competence and confidence. They don’t just learn how to use tools—they learn how to think like tradespeople and apply those skills to solve real problems that matter in their communities.”
Dean Reichel teaches agricultural mechanics at New Bloomfield High School in New Bloomfield, MO. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in marketing from Lincoln University, Reichel worked in various private sector roles including cattle ranch management and retail maintenance and repair – experiences that provided a foundation for his teaching. In 2000, with a goal of making an impact on the next generation, he returned to school to pursue a teaching career, earning a second Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from the University of Central Missouri, and subsequently a Masters in Educational Administration K-12 from William Woods University. Reichel believes that teaching is more than a profession – it’s a calling, and he wants to empower students with the tools and confidence to build successful careers and meaningful lives.
Reichel’s program is fully aligned with the Missouri Agriculture Course Competencies, which combine technical training with essential career-readiness skills, and Agriculture Mechanics Career Development Event to keep them engaged and job-ready. Students learn not only how to work with tools and equipment to weld or wire a building for the first time, but also how to build a professional resume, prepare for interviews, and explore real-world career opportunities in the skilled trades and agriculture industries. By being authentic and leading by example, he has created an environment where students take ownership of their work and understand that learning is a process. Reichel keeps his instruction current by participating in the Missouri Teachers Academy and National Association of Agricultural Educators XLR8 program for mid-career agricultural educators. Additionally, Reichel has built strong partnerships with local industries like Danuser Machine, Hitachi Energy Solutions, and DooLittle Trailer Manufacturing, who provide insights into emerging technologies, current industry needs, and create potential opportunities for job shadowing, mentorships, and employment.
Notes of Excellence:
- Reichel has been honored as the 2025 Missouri ACTE Teacher of the Year, the 2024 Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (MVATA) Outstanding Teacher of the Year, and the 2022 MVATA Outstanding Secondary Agriculture Program of the Year.
- Reichel’s students complete meaningful community projects such as building picnic tables for local community gardens, and a custom-built ticket booth for the school’s baseball/softball complex in partnership with Prost Builders and DooLittle Trailers.
- Reichel measures success by qualitative and quantitative outcomes and tracks student achievement on Future Farmers of America Career Development Events, industry certifications, and post-graduation placement.